It had been around two years since Richard Kelley of Pawlet plead not guilty to accusations of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. Now the former Windsor County deputy sheriff is sitting before a jury and his peers will decide if the former law enforcer will serve time.

Kelley began his trial Monday morning at Windsor County criminal court. In the presence of four supporters, he listened as the state laid out its case against him.

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Kelley is accused of inappropriately touching a female child over two separate time periods -- once in 2009 when the girl was 12, the other when the girl was about 9 or 10. Her mother notified state police of the incident in July 2011.

The prosecution called Detective Daniel Elliott and Trooper Gary Salvatore, who responded to the report the night the victim's mother contacted police. Salvatore said Kelley's demeanor that night was unusual.

"He was very calm, didn't seemed to be fazed by us being there," said Salvatore.

Kelley's attorney said the former deputy sheriff will be able to prove the victim's allegations against him are false.

"He's going to walk right up to that witness stand and he's going to tell you everything that he's been through," said defense attorney Brian Marsicovetere.

Kelley's defense states that the allegations stem from the victim and her mother having prior issues with him.

Both the victim and her mother are expected to testify. If Kelley is convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.